Star Wars - Original Soundtrack

John Williams may not have invented soundtracks, but it sure feels like he did.  He is like a wizard, weaving his magic with his baton, creating iconic sounds that instantly evoke memories within people, transporting them back to another time and place, filled with happy memories.  Even if you have never seen the films, chances are you can identify the film just by hearing the smallest snippet of a John William's theme.  He may have frightened generations of swimmers with Jaws, but his truly iconic soundtrack is for the first truly blockbuster science fiction film event, Star Wars.  As soon as you hear the orchestra strike up, you know it's Star Wars and you can't help but smile. (A little tip, it's fantastic to listen to in the car while driving, but be wary of exceeding the speed limit!)
Mr Williams paints a picture with sound, creating individual pieces for characters or places.  Over two discs, you can literally see Princess Leia when you hear her theme, or you are standing in the rapidly cooling wind, staring at twin suns descending as Luke runs past to sound of The Robot Auction.  You are there!  And the Cantina Band is so wonderfully unique and yet once again, instantly recognisable!  While alien, you can certainly 'bop' along to it!
The triumphant The Last Battle leads into The Throne Room and End Title (who can't see the rows of soldiers in their finery in that massive hall?).  The End Title which is used in all the Star Wars films then gives a mix of all that has gone before.
Now having said all that, after over thirty years, this soundtrack, even with it's brilliance, does sound 'simple' compared to the later triumphs which build on this exceptional collection of music and do even greater things! That's not meant to be a criticism, but instead a compliment in that if this is John Williams at his 'simplest', imagine the brilliance of his more accomplished work, which I am very happy to say comes with the next couple of films.
I love everything Star Wars, so of course, I just love this soundtrack.